PACKING FOR AN ULTRAMARATHON - TIPS on mandatory gear & HOW to pack everything!

Today I’m showing you how I pack all my gear for an ultramarathon race into a 12L pack. I won’t always take ALL of this stuff as it depends on the conditions and the length of the race but this is a comprehensive list of everything you could potentially need! Do check your race for its specific mandatory gear requirements though. Links to everything are below. If you have any questions let me know in the comments! Enjoy :)
HUGE thanks to my channel members!! You're amazing! You can join the support crew here: / @sarahplace
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Strava: / strava
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Kit from the video (Amazon affiliate links):
Exped 3L Dry Bag amzn.to/32qTcDo
La Sportiva Neptune 2.0 Baselayer www.lasportiva.com/en/running...
2XU Leggings www.2xu.com/uk/p/mid-rise-com...
Inov8 Race Ultra Mitt amzn.to/3fAf3Mw
Salomon Bonatti Waterproof Trousers www.ultramarathonrunningstore...
GU Gels amzn.to/2ZB1PcW
Petzl E-Lite amzn.to/3eBv5o1
Petzl Reactik amzn.to/2OtNjND
Salomon S Lab 12 Set amzn.to/2ZzZdM4
Hydrapak Ultra Flasks 500ml amzn.to/3jb82DR
Hydrapak Speed Cup amzn.to/2ZyJZav
Hot Drinks Cup amzn.to/3h1VJbl
Portable charger amzn.to/32pMNsm
Black Diamond Distance Z amzn.to/2WrjIst
Squirrels Nut Butter Anti Chafe Balm amzn.to/3euaemA
Salt Tablets amzn.to/2ZyUhHk
Buff benparkes.com/collections/eve...
#ultramarathon #trailrunning

[@ashleyholbrook9396]

Another great video Sarah. Really enjoyed that one!

[@jeffkelley4055]

This is fantastic content Sarah. Enjoying every video!

[@pieterOD]

Such a good video! Well done. Enjoyed every second of it. I would love to see a video of how you set up your Garmin for a race like inserting waypoints etc etc etc (i know its technical but i quite enjoy such things) Cheers!

[@chessmasterxi-chessgames6814]

Great tips thank you Sarah, these practical advices from experts like yourself are great for all. I am enjoying your channel very much! 💪💪💪

[@HOwrid]

Loved that kept in the bloopers, Dalek voice definitely made me jump. Those cups look great, will have to get one!

[@adelesparke9516]

Ive come to this video a little late, but its just BRILLIANT! Thank you very much Sarah. After running my first Ultra just a couple of weeks ago, I realised I had got my packing completely wrong! I wish Id watched this beforehand, but know better for my next Ultra. Great advice as always, thanks so much :-)

[@toogoodhikes6190]

this was really helpful and clearly explained, thanks Sarah!

[@steevoridgeline]

such a good instructional video. compared to lots of other tutorials like yours Sarah, yours is top notch 👍🏻💕🏃🏻‍♂️

[@trhall7406]

WONDERFUL BREAKDOWN OF WHATS NEEDED⭐️

[@melaniebailey3446]

Really useful, especially the information about the drop bag - thanks!

[@mauricedewaal3067]

Very interesting! I'm just a casual weekend trail runner. This video is good to learn about bag and packing prep for the longer runs

[@thecarpenters9571]

This was excellent. I was doing some of this already due to trial and error but your video could have saved me some difficulties in my first 50k. I’m sure I have new information thanks to this for my first 100k. Subscribed.

[@heavyt5702]

As always, great content, Sarah 👍🏼

[@marathoner_Ali]

Very useful, thanks. Just venturing into ultra from half Ironman and 42k running. These informative vids about the essential basics are a big help.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Thank you, this will help as I up my long runs! I'm (at the moment) on for an 11 mile mountain race in September. It's the first of 3 laps for a really tough ultra. From there I'll be training for my first 50k sometime next year- maybe the full ultra I'm sampling in September!

[@SarahPlace]

awesome sounds good kelly! good luck for it all!!

[@TheJessRamone]

First of: Best of luck tomorrow!! Hope you can enjoy the race and have the good weather we have here now. Your vids are very helpful. Eventhough I'm no where near an ultra yet. But I've my first 'live/real life' 10K race coming up so who knows where that might lead one day.. 😏😅

[@richardbrown1573]

Superb content and really informative video - thanks Sarah 👍. Next event is Taupo Marathon in 2 wks.

[@kzsposeidon3121]

Straight to the point, nice video! Got you a subscriber

[@veronicacovarrubias9763]

You are amazing!! Thank you for this! Very helpful

[@ReubenSchoots]

Very glad to have come across your channel!

[@adrianmilleryache9309]

Loved this video thank you so much you guys are great!! 💪

[@aliciabrown841]

Thank you for your top notch tips 💪

[@peterglatt4770]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@hankmancil178]

Great video. Very informative and relative.

[@vicpivo]

Thanks for this, I have found it all very useful. I will be doing my first marathon next year in the Breacon Beacons and have been looking into what bag to get.

[@Mockie007]

Thankyou for this. I have my first ultra in October and I am already stressing about what to take and how to pack. This made so much sense! Has put my mind at ease

[@mikeypies1]

How did it go?

[@Mockie007]

@@mikeypies1 unfortunately due to border closures and COVID restrictions the event was postponed to this year!

[@tirianashby]

Very informative and interesting, thank you 👍

[@tombargerstock3419]

Thanks Sarah. Glad to see you use Altra. Altra Torin Plush 4.5 is my new go to shoe for roads as well as nontechnical trails.

[@SarahPlace]

yeah when i'm out for a long time they are my go to!

[@19Kamau79]

I just have almost new Altra Torin4 Plush and at Wednesday I did 50K time trial mainly on the gravel road. My feet loved their wide toebox as no nail damage actually only couple of very little blisters detected.

[@cejay67]

Great video. First ultra is at the end of August, Kuranda to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. I’m getting more and more excited and these videos just build it.

[@SarahPlace]

oh wow that sounds awesome! good luck with it!!

[@Rebecca236]

Lol, I have only just seen this video but think it's brilliant! I take loads of stuff out with me, but I like the way you pack things. Some great idea too!

[@topeosho1]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@DadiBisson]

NDW100 in 3wks 😨 Timely reminder, great video thanks. Food = Mood and Food at the Front, both great catchphrases. Love you kept yourself real and the bloopers in.

[@SarahPlace]

Ahh awesome! It's such a great race, the lap around the track at the end is AMAZING! Good luck and enjoy!

[@saintsfisherman]

Great video! i had not thought of feet swelling, so bring a wider pair of shoes, an ectra bottle in case one breaks, and a battery bank and charging cables to charge on the move. I have been watching video after video to prepare for my first longer race and no one has said those yet. Thanks!

[@gregorysalazar8370]

Great, well presented video. Thank You!

[@WikiSphereCube]

Loved your pack & explanation! Great that you take salt sticks

[@harikiyer1]

Thank you very much Sarah. I will be running my very first ultra next month (only a 50K) and I was trying to get some useful tips regarding what to take with me etc. Your video has provided very useful information. I like the way you even showed how to organize everything in the various zipper pockets, how much and what kind of food to take and so on. Very grateful to you for this video. Looking forward to watching more of your videos (I just subscribed). By the way, do you have any thoughts on MAF training?

[@aleksandraskorokhod9630]

Great video, thank you!!

[@mikelrobertsbeckett1454]

You are such an inspiration thank you

[@cmaro]

Great video! I've got the same hydration vest but never quite put it to the test of how much stuff it can carry, only used it for fueling during long runs (shame on me). Now i know what to take with me and where to store it if i ever run an ultra =)

[@DanRuns]

Useful ahead of my upcoming ultra!

[@rgweaver]

Fantastic video. Huge help. I am prepping for my first ultra (Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock, North Carolina US) and have no idea what I've gotten myself into.

[@SarahPlace]

sounds epic! good luck ray!

[@notapro968]

Really useful video thanks so much!!!

[@SarahPlace]

no worries pierre, glad you found it helpful!

[@ZbenjZ]

Super helpful 👌

[@simonhodgson4941]

Great vid, love seeing what people pack for ultras but the thought of doing more that a marathon with that extra weight fills me with horror 😂😂

[@alfiefletcher5979]

Quality video Im excited for when I get older and I’m allowed to do mountain ultras etc

[@Q8Patriot]

Thanks alot thats were so helpful

[@jeremybergeron3527]

Yes I found it useful! Thank you :) So you do 100km races? Nice. That's a lot of stuck, but I guess it is how it is in long races... just did my first 25km trail yesterday 😁

[@claudiojaramillo5177]

I didn't know about the foldable cups that's really cool

[@slcheung3]

Great video! Need to get one of those petzl e lite

[@MrBrianRoberts]

Brilliant video, well good, great help 👌👌👍

[@Msniram]

Great video ☺️

[@adamsoda1]

Great tips! Running my first ultra in September (Birken Ultra 60k in Norway). Food=Mood😀 Hopefully easy to remember.

[@SarahPlace]

oh wow that will be amazing david! good luck with it! would love to visit norway soon!

[@sophieblockgame6878]

Thank you. Great video. Greetings from Switzerland. Karina 🤩

[@willneverforgets3341]

I'll try the crisps once, never tried them running, but it's a good idea for changing all those sweet tastes from the gels etc, and easier for chewing than nuts. Nice, wipes in the drop bag! good idea! I always leave shoes but only just in case.

[@jamieruns279]

Great watching as always, thanks Sarah! Just starting out with trail running and dealing with a lot of stiff and achy muscles. Could you please do a video on your warm up/cool down routines?

[@supotube]

Great video. Subscribed.

[@joninnewzealand211]

very helpful，will do tarawera 102k in Feb

[@mattsully2238]

Dig the stay puff in the background😆

[@Nickswolves]

Great video - Shires and spires event in Northamptonshire is going ahead in September still if you’re after a 50k ultra

[@SarahPlace]

love shires and spires! did it last year, such a great day!

[@Nickswolves]

Sarah Place do you think it would be possible to complete this taking it easy with half marathon fitness or better training properly for next year?

[@martinyardy3213]

First ultra coming up in December, Run Walk Crawl Celtic trail. Super excited and bricking it at the same time 😄

[@SarahPlace]

awesome! did the brecon to cardiff race of theirs earlier this year, it was epic! good luck and enjoy!!!

[@martinyardy3213]

I signed up for SW50 last year, but after doing the first recce I realised I'd bitten off more than I could chew 😔, so that one is un finished business...

[@leeduffy9154]

Thank you 😊

[@saragonmcenany6229]

nice video great tips

[@nicolastrange578]

Hey Sarah, I'm just starting out trail running. Feeling very inspired by your videos! Could you recommend a beginner's shoe that's more affordable than the Nike you recommend in your other video please?

[@andyjamesmciver]

I'm still a fair way off running an ultra, but when I am there, I'll have to watch this again!!

[@georgeduffen2618]

Love the vid... preparing for my first ultra this weekend. I see at 8:31 you display your battery level on the map function on your garmin. Have spent hours trying to get that configured. Any advice ?!

[@paulwoodhouse4517]

Thanks for a great video. I also have a FR945 too. I’ve worked out how to download GPX files. I just need some advice regarding navigating and preset like you mentioned.

[@ryan_the_red_4907]

Cool video

[@lindsaynewell6319]

Great channel and really informative, practical advice. Surprised not to see hand sanitizer in with TP. Baby wipes vs TP? Small tube of Vaseline? Small ziploc for used gel wrappers/rubbish? Do you carry a filter or chemical purification for emergencies? This video will help this expat in California getting ready for a couple of epic one day solos - Rae Lakes Loop and R2R2R. Thanks 🙏

[@SarahPlace]

hey lindsay! yes some hand sanitizer would certainly be a good addition! no i don't have a filter but probably something i will look at getting in future if i was to do more remote races! enjoy your solos, r2r2r2 looks so epic!!!

[@macau.friend]

That Salomon backpack is amazing! It actually looks more like a vest than a pack and quite incredible that it can fit so much stuff. Question: is there a reason why you don’t carry a water bladder with you on an ultra marathon?

[@willneverforgets3341]

Water bladders I only use them in long runs where there is no fountains or really really hot days. On races you won't need them because there are enough water stations, and in addition they are a hassle to fill them up... not very practical.

[@turkeysandwich001]

Great stuff. I am wondering if your waterproof pack rolls from side to side in your backpack. A cylindrical bag looks uncomfortable compared to flat bag. Maybe it’s my unfamiliarity. Loved the video.

[@SarahPlace]

no not at all, it fits in the pocket perfectly and doesn't move at all! very snug!

[@AimeeandApollo]

Loved this! I really want to try an Ultra! There's one coming up in July I might try but I'm abit scared as I'm new ish to running! I can opt to do a quarter of the race which is 26km I'm just debating it? Xxx

[@LuisBecerra79]

Wait. And the Stay puft marshmallow men is not going to the trail race 😁😁. Nice list of things you need for a race. Great video.

[@ronbiggs5912]

Great video. I would add a piece on a finish line bag.

[@SarahPlace]

i actually did film a bit about a finish line bag but it was way too boring so it didn't make the cut!.. essentially just a change of clothes and some food treats!

[@ronbiggs5912]

@@SarahPlace for sure boring but very valuable. learned a few times doing 100k races where the temps really dropped by the finish.

[@guillaumesperlich5749]

Very interesting content, thank you !

[@mikuslembergs]

You should make a video about foods to take on a run ;)

[@SarahPlace]

yep i will do mikus! it's on the list :)

[@susanwiggins6309]

Great video Sarah. Never done an ultra but thinking maybe someday... Is the pack heavy? You fit so much in it I couldn't help wondering if it was uncomfortable when running.

[@SarahPlace]

hey susan, yes it's quite heavy if i pack this much stuff (and even more so once filled with drinks and food!) but it's not uncomfortable to run with as you can spread the weight all around. but taking all of this would be for something like a 100 mile race or a 100k+ mountain race when i am out for 20+ hours. the kit lists are quite extensive for these types of races but not so much for a 50 miler for example!

[@jimbagsh9569]

For someone getting into their first ultra (like a 50km), are there usually mandatory packing lists? When you go for a training run with your pack, do you pack everything like a race or do you bring less? And thanks a lot for the videos, really really helpful. :)

[@SarahPlace]

Hey Jim, yes a 50k race could certainly have a mandatory kit list (not always though!) but it will always say on the website for the race. And yes it's always good to do some training runs with a full pack just to get used to how it feels and where everything is etc and then when you come to do your race it will feel like second nature!

[@terrypursey4447]

HI Sarah, will you be doing some content about your training plan/progress for the Arc later in the year?

[@SarahPlace]

yes most definitely!

[@Artimus128]

Great vid Sarah , that watch charger have you got the model make please ? 😁😁

[@SarahPlace]

It's just the garmin watch cable plugged into an anker power core mini 👍

[@Artimus128]

Sarah Place ok Thankyou Sarah 👍👍

[@noriem80]

Sarah Place Do you take your watch off and charge it in your pack or do you only charge it when stopped at an aid station?

[@benjammind]

Great video, do you download the gpx file as a course on your watch? Do you scroll through any other data screens whilst running or just leave it on the course screen with your couple of data fields you have setup?

[@SarahPlace]

hey ben, yep download the gpx file so i have the route on my wrist just in case i miss a sign/course marking. sometimes i cycle through the screens if there's something i want to know but usually just leave it on the map screen with distance to go and battery life

[@f3penang287]

Hi Sarah. Have you tried the straws for the flasks?

[@10Toes.]

🙏🏾

[@paulsparkes5741]

all for park run 😂😂 I found that the plastic container inside a Kinder egg is great for holding salt pills 💊!!

[@SarahPlace]

love the kinder egg idea!!!

[@psudoctor3336]

Thanks for this. What was the total weight of your pack? I have a 100K Ultra in 5 weeks World’s End 100K Ultra and a 100 miler Ultra in September. Awesome video.

[@carlosmtz4604]

Hi Sarah, nice video, I have a question, how many pounds weigth the vest when you start the race?

[@celinehall2878]

Great video Sarah! Can anyone recommend a good first ultra? Was thinking around 50k would be a nice start?

[@SarahPlace]

thanks Celine! if you're in the uk have a look at threshold events, they put on the race to the stones, race to the tower etc they're all around 50 miles/ 100k for the full non-stop event but there is the option to split it into 2 days or just do 1 of the 2 days if you wanted to try a 50k first. they are great events for beginners with great aid stations and excellent course markings so you can't get lost! and loads of first timers to chat to when you are there as well!

[@celinehall2878]

@@SarahPlace Thank you, I'll check it out!

[@beebylando]

Great video! Once the world is (somewhat) normal again I really want to sign up for an ultra but am a total beginner and so wouldn't have a clue where to start with packing my kit. Have a Solomon ADV 8. Noticed you've got the 12...do you think an 8 is sufficient for a 50 miler?

[@SarahPlace]

hey stevie, yes i'm sure you'd be fine with the 8L pack.. my first few ultras were done with a 5L one and it was fine but it was only when moving up to the longer distances and more mountainous races which require more gear that i needed to get the bigger one. so yeah just depends how much stuff you've got to carry i suppose but you'll likely be able to squeeze most things into the 8L :) good luck and let me know what you sign up for!

[@beebylando]

@@SarahPlace thanks so much for your quick and detailed reply! Really appreciate it and will let you know :-)

[@zjadaczdzieci]

Hey, can you share some 50k training plan basics you follow ?

[@cypriank6705]

An ultra marathon a distance I would love to run one day. Great vid as I need some of the essentials but do you think it can be done without all the equipment ?

[@SarahPlace]

yes of course, some shorter races only ask that you carry a few things (wp jacket, whistle, foil blanket, baselayer, head torch) so definitely just check the race and its specific mandatory requirements and then any extra stuff is totally up to you!

[@aimeebowles4680]

Hi Sarah I love your T-shirt in this video. Where is it from and are they still available?

[@pachecomaratonista8620]

Boa tarde ótima semana pra vc e bons treinos 👣🤜🤛

[@jonathanwhite51]

do you not use a bladder in the pack? was meant to do my first ultra this month (RTTS), this will definitely be useful to refer back to next year. Thanks Sarah

[@SarahPlace]

hey jonathan, i did used to have a bladder for it but found the tube really annoying, i just like the bottles because i can keep an eye on how much water i've got left! ah rtts what a great race, it was actually my first taste of ultra running back in 2016, my sister and i did it across the two days, so much fun!

[@jonathanwhite51]

@@SarahPlace thanks Sarah, yes have heard the bladder can be a little temperamental with air bubbles, not ideal when in a rush. Had booked the weekend option but was tempted to try and go straight through, guess i have time to decide. Hoping to do the UK Boston marathon in September 🤞

[@lurker916]

Your bag is a bloody tardis!

[@chandaharkins4418]

😂

[@garyloosemore2690]

What no room for the bear spray? Something we need in Canadian mountains! :-)

[@mitchellatkins9701]

Perhaps, can you reveal your weekly or monthly training schedule for your running? I think that would help me and many other newcomers to marathons and ultras

[@SarahPlace]

yeah i will certainly do something like that in the future but until then all of my training is on strava for anyone to see :D

[@MrHaroldhardrada]

I think I might enter the Maverick Dorset 16km in August. Main goal atm is sub40min 10km. What is the 12L like to run with when it isn’t full?

[@SarahPlace]

hey harry, yeah it's v comfortable when there's not much stuff in it, the only thing is if you have full bottles in the front and nothing much in the back in can bounce a bit so just bear that in mind.

[@TheTurgyan]

Hey great video. What is the make model Of the running pack ? The link does not work for me . Much appreciated

[@daffee360]

I have the North Downs Way 100 coming up, i was thinking of changing from trail shoes to my cushioned road shoes at 50 miles if its dry. Do you think i should just stick with one pair?

[@SarahPlace]

it's obviously up to you, when i did it in 2018 i just stuck with 1 pair of shoes for the whole thing, it was a very hot day with dry trails but trail shoes were ideal. to be honest the whole night section was a complete blur so i can't remember if there were any particularly tricky or muddy bits so can't help much there but i'd say just stick with 1 pair unless they are giving you issues, by all means put the other pair in your half way bag or the one at ~75 miles and see how you feel! good luck for it, it's such an epic day out!

[@paulelgey6857]

Which watch do you use Sarah ?

[@iberiksoderblom]

Great. I also carry a little botle of hand-sanitizer.